Peebo

Peebo, Nella’s pet parakeet, represents Nella’s childhood and the gradual loss of innocence that occurs after she comes to Amsterdam. At first, Peebo is kept in the working kitchen, but gradually gains more freedoms to fly around the house. Eventually, he escapes through an open window. This transformation directly parallels Nella’s discovery of the secrets of the Brandt household, and her discovery of Johannes’s homosexuality directly coincides with Peebo’s escape.

Nella's Dress

Nella’s ill-fitting dress symbolizes the overwhelming feelings and sense of discomfort upon first arriving in Amsterdam. Though the dresses were supposedly made to Nella’s measurements, they are far too large and in addition to making Nella feel awkward and uncomfortable, represent just how out of her element Nella is in her new urban surroundings.

The Cabinet

The cabinet is a symbol of Nella’s individual growth as...